Optimization and characterization of a sulfate based electrodeposition method for alpha-spectrometry of neptunium and curium

The parameters for a sulfate based electrodeposition method were optimized for the preparation of Cm and Np alpha-spectrometry sources. Alpha-spectrometry requires the preparation of essentially massless sources to eliminate self-absorption of alpha-particles, which can cause degraded alpha-spectra. A variety of methods for the electrodeposition of actinides have been reported in the literature, many of which require long deposition times and lack reproducibility. A previously reported sulfate based method has been evaluated for the preparation of Np and Cm sources. High yields were achieved and source preparation took 90 minutes or less. The effects of electrodeposition time and pH of the depositing solution were evaluated for each element. Typical resolution (FWHM) for sources prepared by this method is 50 keV or less with recoveries approaching 100%.